I realize it's way to soon to make an argument on who the Lions should take. But i have seen it posted that we should go LT no matter what. And with that position being one of the deeper spots in the draft it just might make sense to go the best player available route. Wether it be QB,CB,OT or LB. At this time no senior QB's are worthy, and it will be mid-january before they have to declare. I am hoping there is a huge influx of underclassmen in this years draft. I have inserted a list from PFW of player rankings. It does not include junior class. But the possibilities of the talent infusion the Lions could see is intriguing.

I think the Lions should draft him #1 overall. He is the same size as Mario Williams, He does not weigh as much but can put on the pounds. He's an excellent pass rusher and would help immediately.

Mario has worked out really well for the Texans, so I'm hoping the Lions can see that and take Johnson.

There is a draft thread @ firemillen, and I'm going to copy and paste something I wrote there to further my reasoning on wanting Johnson.

If you look @ the first DE taken the past 4 years they are all pretty good.

Demarcus Ware 11thMario Williams 1stGaines Adams 4thChris Long 2nd

If you go even further back, and look at the first DE's taken it's alot of history that the first DE taken is a solid pick. Will Smith, Terrell Suggs, Julius Peppers, Justin Smith, Courtney Brown, Jevon Kearse.

Many good names in there, and most of them are still performing. Just looking @ the history, and at Johnsons size and pass rushing abilitys he could be a force right away, and in the long run.[/i]

December 18th, 2008, 2:56 am

Stallion

Play by Play Announcer - Al Michaels

Joined: October 15th, 2005, 12:45 pmPosts: 1834

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

_________________2011 Adopted Lion: Rob Sims/Looking for a side job at I.H.O.P because he can't stop making pancakes.

December 18th, 2008, 12:36 pm

LionsFan4Life

Fired Head Coach (0-16 record)

Joined: October 30th, 2004, 12:30 pmPosts: 2205Location: Austin, TX

I like Brian Orakpo myself.. but then again I am a Longhorn fan.

_________________

NEVER GIVE UP!

December 18th, 2008, 12:48 pm

Pablo

RIP Killer

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 9:21 amPosts: 9898Location: Dallas

Javon Ringer - Go State - just kidding.

I have to see what QBs declare first, if none of them do and I had to pick from the list I take Oher.

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

December 18th, 2008, 1:33 pm

liontrax

#1 Overall Pick

Joined: March 21st, 2005, 2:11 pmPosts: 1432Location: Wolverine, Mi.

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

December 18th, 2008, 1:51 pm

wjb21ndtown

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest 6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

Until he rises into the top 10 on draft projection charts, you don't take him #1 over all, and even if he does you have to STRONGLY consider whether or not you want to pay a LB $50million dollars. That is a question that I would answer in the negative.

I agree that Curry is a beast and would be a huge upgrade to our D, but you don't take him inside the top 5 when he's not projected to be picked inside the top 10.

December 18th, 2008, 2:00 pm

liontrax

#1 Overall Pick

Joined: March 21st, 2005, 2:11 pmPosts: 1432Location: Wolverine, Mi.

wjb21ndtown wrote:

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest 6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

Until he rises into the top 10 on draft projection charts, you don't take him #1 over all, and even if he does you have to STRONGLY consider whether or not you want to pay a LB $50million dollars. That is a question that I would answer in the negative.

I agree that Curry is a beast and would be a huge upgrade to our D, but you don't take him inside the top 5 when he's not projected to be picked inside the top 10.

Right now he is the highest rated on the board. I agree that LB's are not usually picked at #1 overall, but LT was picked at #2 and if the Saints had any idea of how good he would be, they would have taken him at 1

December 18th, 2008, 2:11 pm

wjb21ndtown

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest 6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

Until he rises into the top 10 on draft projection charts, you don't take him #1 over all, and even if he does you have to STRONGLY consider whether or not you want to pay a LB $50million dollars. That is a question that I would answer in the negative.

I agree that Curry is a beast and would be a huge upgrade to our D, but you don't take him inside the top 5 when he's not projected to be picked inside the top 10.

Right now he is the highest rated on the board. I agree that LB's are not usually picked at #1 overall, but LT was picked at #2 and if the Saints had any idea of how good he would be, they would have taken him at 1

#1 player on WHOSE board? He's ranked as perhaps the #1 talent, but I highly doubt that ANYONE is considering taking him in the top 5.

LT was picked at #2 at a time where rookies didn't get $50million dollar contracts. In this era you simply cannot draft a LB #1 overall unless he is some freak of nature that is going to be the next Ray Lewis, and even then it's questionable based upon the potential bust factor. EVERY YEAR "guaranteed prospects" bust. No one in the draft is a sure thing, and sure thing LBs don't even make that kind of money.

December 18th, 2008, 2:21 pm

LionsFan4Life

Fired Head Coach (0-16 record)

Joined: October 30th, 2004, 12:30 pmPosts: 2205Location: Austin, TX

wjb21ndtown wrote:

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest 6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

Until he rises into the top 10 on draft projection charts, you don't take him #1 over all, and even if he does you have to STRONGLY consider whether or not you want to pay a LB $50million dollars. That is a question that I would answer in the negative.

I agree that Curry is a beast and would be a huge upgrade to our D, but you don't take him inside the top 5 when he's not projected to be picked inside the top 10.

Right now he is the highest rated on the board. I agree that LB's are not usually picked at #1 overall, but LT was picked at #2 and if the Saints had any idea of how good he would be, they would have taken him at 1

#1 player on WHOSE board? He's ranked as perhaps the #1 talent, but I highly doubt that ANYONE is considering taking him in the top 5.

LT was picked at #2 at a time where rookies didn't get $50million dollar contracts. In this era you simply cannot draft a LB #1 overall unless he is some freak of nature that is going to be the next Ray Lewis, and even then it's questionable based upon the potential bust factor. EVERY YEAR "guaranteed prospects" bust. No one in the draft is a sure thing, and sure thing LBs don't even make that kind of money.

As much as I don't like to overpay for players... with what I have read about this kid.. sounds like he'll be worth it though.

Also, as others have mentioned throw him in the mix as players we may draft with our #1 pick and sign whatever one will sign for the cheapest.

_________________

NEVER GIVE UP!

December 18th, 2008, 2:27 pm

liontrax

#1 Overall Pick

Joined: March 21st, 2005, 2:11 pmPosts: 1432Location: Wolverine, Mi.

wjb21ndtown wrote:

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest 6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

Until he rises into the top 10 on draft projection charts, you don't take him #1 over all, and even if he does you have to STRONGLY consider whether or not you want to pay a LB $50million dollars. That is a question that I would answer in the negative.

I agree that Curry is a beast and would be a huge upgrade to our D, but you don't take him inside the top 5 when he's not projected to be picked inside the top 10.

Right now he is the highest rated on the board. I agree that LB's are not usually picked at #1 overall, but LT was picked at #2 and if the Saints had any idea of how good he would be, they would have taken him at 1

#1 player on WHOSE board? He's ranked as perhaps the #1 talent, but I highly doubt that ANYONE is considering taking him in the top 5.

LT was picked at #2 at a time where rookies didn't get $50million dollar contracts. In this era you simply cannot draft a LB #1 overall unless he is some freak of nature that is going to be the next Ray Lewis, and even then it's questionable based upon the potential bust factor. EVERY YEAR "guaranteed prospects" bust. No one in the draft is a sure thing, and sure thing LBs don't even make that kind of money.

I agree that it is a reach to take an LB at #1 and I doubt it has ever happened. I'm probably not looking at it objectively because the Lions traditionaly have botched there first round picks. I'm hoping there is interest from KC and SF to trade up to get Stafford. We need the extra picks, so many holes! I don't know that I would want to take Orapko at 1. He is being projected to LB by some draft sites.

December 18th, 2008, 2:46 pm

Stallion

Play by Play Announcer - Al Michaels

Joined: October 15th, 2005, 12:45 pmPosts: 1834

liontrax wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

Stallion wrote:

Johnson is 6'7" and like 257lbs. This year is his first year starting but he had deent production. He could put on weight but he could lose the speed that makes him what he is. Overall I would take a pass on Johnson

I agree 100%... I'm not that high on Johnson, and I def. wouldn't talk him #1 overall. If I had to take a D player at #1 it would be Orkapo, but I'd rather either take him at 3-5, or take Curry at 8-13.

Right now Curry is the highest rated player on the board and is a position of need for us. If this guy turns out to be anything like L.T. was for the Giants then it would be a no-brainer.

SLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest 6-1 3/4, 250, 4.61

A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

If you are going to post someone elses info you should put it in quotation. Secondly Curry is my #1 player but I doubt anyone would take him #1 overall. I would try to possibly work out a deal with him prior to the draft and if you can get him to take a decent ammount less then #1 overall pick should get I would pull the trigger. Otherwise Stafford all the way.

_________________2011 Adopted Lion: Rob Sims/Looking for a side job at I.H.O.P because he can't stop making pancakes.

December 19th, 2008, 1:46 am

hamma77

Heisman Winner

Joined: December 8th, 2008, 3:16 pmPosts: 785

Stafford would be a great pick, then next year we can have this same exact talk on who to take first overall!

December 19th, 2008, 2:00 am

Stallion

Play by Play Announcer - Al Michaels

Joined: October 15th, 2005, 12:45 pmPosts: 1834

hamma77 wrote:

Stafford would be a great pick, then next year we can have this same exact talk on who to take first overall!

We are not one player away from winning games. We need the guy who will be the best for the team in the long run becuase we are not going to turn this around in a year. Stafford is a franchise QB and could lead this team to the promise land one day. S if you want to the lions to draft a LT so we maybe win one extra game thats fine. I want our team to draft a QB who can atleast allow us to think about making a SB run in a couple years.

_________________2011 Adopted Lion: Rob Sims/Looking for a side job at I.H.O.P because he can't stop making pancakes.